The overarching goal of the UNF/FIE Pre-Collegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program is to provide an academically focused after-school program that encourages students to embark on a college bound path by:
 

• enriching their academic experiences,
• leading them to an understanding of the relationship between career opportunities, education, and desired lifestyles, and
• motivating their interest in higher education learning opportunities.

To participate in the UNF/FIE Pre-Collegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program students must meet at least one of the following economic guidelines and one of the academic guidelines.

Economic Guidelines

• Family taxable income does not exceed 185% of the poverty 
• Family receives public assistance 
• Student is eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch Program
   

Academic Guidelines

• Potential first-generation-in-college student
• Student’s cumulative GPA below 2.50 
• Student’s FCAT math/reading score below average 
• Student not promoted to the next grade 
• Student absent more than 25 school days
   

The UNF/FIE Pre-Collegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program served 6th and 7th graders in 2008/09. Participation has expanded to include 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

The UNF/FIE Pre-Collegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program currently has approximately 170 middle school students enrolled at Eugene J. Butler Middle School. Pre-Collegiate Scholars meet after school one day a week for three hours. Each student has made a commitment to accomplish the required stepping stones to achieve academic success in middle school, high school, and college. 

Program activities are facilitated in small learning groups led by UNF Learning Guides/Mentors. Many of these UNF students are first generation college students who have an understanding of how low socioeconomic status can hinder or diffuse the dream of a college bound students. Each UNF Learning Guide demonstrates an intrinsic desire to help low income college bound middle schoolers understand what they need to know and do to access higher education.

Pre-Collegiate Scholars participate in Learning Round Tables led by a UNF Learning Guide Mentor. Activities strengthen middle school students' aspirations to go to college, develop team skills, explore career possibilities, and fortify inquiry and critical thinking skills which enhance academic success. Special attention is given to building background knowledge needed to be success in AP Geography.

UNF Learning Guides also engage Pre-Collegiate Scholars in College Conversations which focus on the college experience and what is takes to get ready. These mentoring sessions help students answer the following questions:

• Where do I see myself?
• What is high school all about?
• Why is college important? 
• What’s the link between what is done in middle school and my future?

The following activities provide opportunities to bring together families and students to share in learning experiences:

Family Activities Designed encourage families to support their children’s academic achievement; develop understanding of the benefits of post secondary education and the knowledge and skills needed to enter and be successful in post secondary educational environments.

Excursions provide hands on experiences that enable students/families to make connections to foundational knowledge being learning in traditional curriculum along with the skills needed for success in AP Human Geography.

Campus Visits encourage and expose Pre-Collegiate Scholars/families to the benefits of post-secondary education, students will have an opportunities to visit college campuses, have conversations with university staff and lunch will be arranged. This visit will reinforce the college preparation process.
 

At the end of the school year, Pre-Collegiate Scholars who have participated in the program on a consistent basis will be invited to attend year-end celebration, an award ceremony and luncheon to showcase what they have learn through out the year. The UNF Eco-Camp is a five day non-residential camp held during the summer on the UNF campus. The camp experience includes hiking, canoeing, swimming and exploring the natural habitats on the UNF campus.

Director, UNF/FIE Pre-Collegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program

  

Education

Biology

Health Administration

Communications

Information Technology

 

Psychology

 

Math Education

 

Psychology

 

Psychology

Provide an academically focused after-school program that encourages college bound education for students from low-income families by:

a.    enriching their academic experiences,

b.    fostering an understanding of the relationship between career opportunities, education,
       and desired lifestyles, and

c.    motivating their interest in higher education learning opportunities.